It’s that time of year again! The wonderful and multi event Koloa Plantation Days is nearly here! Running from July 20-29 this event in and around Koloa town has something for everyone, and we’ve got the entire schedule for you so you can see all the fun to be had for yourself!
To find out more about Koloa Plantation Days or to sign up for an event please click here for the website.
July 20-29 Koloa Plantation Days Full Schedule:
Friday, July 20th:
4:30 pm – Friday Night Bash, 7th Annual Music in the Country: Food Truck Frenzy & Barrel Racing- Hosted by CJM Country Stables and Paco’s Tacos.
For a “bucking” good time gates open at 4:30pm for the ever popular Bulls, Barrels, Mutton Busting, BBQ & Beer Bash! Admission $8, children free when accompanied by adult. Enjoy the Fast-n-Furious Grand Entry at 5:30pm followed by an evening full of exciting Rodeo Events including the crowd pleasing Bull Riding, Junior Steer Riding, Barrel Racing, “Keiki Mutton busting” (sheep riding) and The Iron Horse Race (beast versus machine, barrel racer versus dirt bike rider). Get your Fix of Island Delights at the Paco’s Tacos Cantina and “Food Truck Frenzy” which abounds with hamburgers, local plate lunches, Mexican food, Greek food, BBQ, fried ice cream, Ono Pops and shave ice. Two-step to your hearts content or relax & enjoy an ice cold beer in the Country Beer Garden while Kauai’s own country music band “Not My First Rodeo” perform live after the Action Packed Rodeo! A great way to kick off the Koloa Plantation Days Celebration. Paniolo style fun for the entire Ohana (family)!
6:30 pm – Evening talk about Hapa Trail – Hosted by Koloa Community Association and Hui Malama o Koloa.
Learn about the archaeological significance of Hapa Trail and how early residents of Koloa lived from esteemed archaeologist Hal Hammett and friends, presented by the Koloa Community Association. If you plan to attend the walk on Saturday, this is a great option to get the full background in a lecture setting. If you are not able to attend the walk this is a good way to get an overview of the area and its significance.
Saturday, July 21st:
8 am – St. Raphael’s Church, 8am come early for pre-walk coffee hour and visit – Hosted by Koloa Community Association and Hui Malama o Koloa.
Come early to Hapa Trail Walk for a morning refreshment and a bit of history from St. Raphael’s Church. This is one of the oldest churches in Koloa with an over 175 year history, and has some beautiful displays to view during this open house prior to the walk.
9 am – Historic Hapa Trail Walk – Hosted by Koloa Community Association and Hui Malama o Koloa.
An easy morning walk along historic Hapa Trail by the Koloa Community Association. Meet your tour guides at St. Raphael’s Church – this is the island’s oldest Catholic church, so your historical tour is off to a good start. Hapa Road Trail isn’t used anymore, but it was once a major route connecting Koloa and the Poipu area. Today, Hapa Trail has been designated by the County of Kauai as a pedestrian and bike way. On the walk, the guides will share many interesting stories about life in the plantation days and the Koloa Field System. They will share knowledge of archeological surveys, history and point out archeological sites and archeological preserves in the area including the extensive and ingenious ‘auwai system the Hawaiians built to irrigate the area known as the Koloa Field System. The Koloa Field System occupied most of the southern portions of na ahupua‘a of Koloa and Weliweli. The Hapa Trail Restoration Committee and other members of the Koloa Community Association have worked hard to prepare Hapa Road Trail for this year’s walk, spending mornings clearing the undergrowth so that walkers can view and experience the road in a state as close to the original road as possible. Following the walk refreshments will be served at Poipu Beach Park. Participants will enjoy more chances to “talk story”. The walk and tour is offered free of charge. All walkers will receive a brochure with a history of the area east and west of Hapa Trail, learning about na wahi kupuna (archeological sites and preserves), as well as the ‘auwai system that irrigated the Koloa Field System.The ‘auwai system started in the Waikomo Stream area of Koloa Town and irrigated all the kalo, kō and ‘uala grown in this arid area today. Hapa Trail t-shirts also available for purchase.
11 am – 19th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo Two full days of Hawaiian Style Rodeo Action – Hosted by CJM Country Stables / Paco’s Tacos.
Rodeo is a big sport in Hawaii, you’ll be amazed at the level of competition displayed by our contestants. Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys and cowgirls) have been top rodeo competitors since Ikua Purdy of Waimea, Hawaii, won a national roping contest in Wyoming in 1908. From little keiki on up, ropers and riders throughout Hawaii compete in numerous events every year. This years 19th Annual Koloa Plantation Days Rodeo will feature Bull Riding, Wild Cow Milking, High Dollar Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Break-away Roping, and Hawaiian’s own events Po’o Wai U & Double Mugging. The young keiki cowboys and cowgirls will get into the action with Mutton Busting (sheep riding) Keiki Barrel Racing, Jr. Steer riding and Kids Stickhorse / Dummy Roping. Witness first hand thrilling rodeo action, Paco’s Tacos Cantina, an assortment of food trucks, and enjoy an array of merchandise, art, interactive and informational booths. We have an exciting lineup of distinctive designed days below:
July 20th Friday Night Bash-4:30 to 9:30, live country band and dancing music & the best of the best state’s team ropers competing in a The High Dollar Roping. Watch our ladies turn and burn their first round of the Wahine Barrel Racing. Also meet our Queen contestants vying for the crown to be announced the following day.
July 21st Paniolo Heritage Saturday Rodeo- 11:00 to 3:30 – first round of rodeo events including Bull Riding, Double Mugging, Kids Mutton Busting, Team Roping and our new event Wild Cow Milking. In addition to the exciting events will be a tribute to the Hawaiian Cowboy the Paniolo. There will be a special grand entry, educational booths, Hawaiian themed foods, workshops and displays to honor our past.
July 22nd Kids Family Fun Sunday Rodeo- 11:00 to 3:30 – final round where winners are crowned after each event. Before, during and after the rodeo there will be kid friendly foods, carnival games and activities like our petting zoo.
Admission $10 at gate, presale tickets online $8, kids under 12 are free. Free parking. For more information go to http://cjmkoloaplantationdaysrodeo.com
1 pm – Keiki Fishing at Waita – Hosted by Kauai ATV.
Visit Waita Reservoir on Saturday afternoon, July 21 1:00pm to 4:00pm for a FREE keiki “catch and release” fishing experience, courtesy of Kauai ATV and Kauai Bass Fishing.
Waita is Hawaii’s largest body of fresh water and is home to tilapia, big mouth bass and peacock bass. A rare opportunity to introduce this family activity of bygone years to your keiki. Reservations are required as space is limited. All keiki and family meet at Kauai ATV for check in and directions, located at 3477A Weliweli Road, Old Koloa Town. Bring your own equipment (bait and fishing poles). For reservations call the Kauai ATV office at 742-2734 or sign up online.
5 pm – Festival Opening & Sunset Ho’olaulea.
Sunset Ho`olaulea at Poipu Beach Athletic Club, FREE concert, 5-8:30pm. Join us for the revival of this Koloa Plantation Days tradition with music and food for an opening weekend celebration. This year brings a family focus to the event, with FREE games by Got Games! for all the keiki. Parents can enjoy a selection Kauai’s best food trucks – including Porkys, The Fresh Shave, Kickshaws and more. The restaurant will also be open that night, offering family & fine dining and a bar option with a birds eye view to the entertainment. This year’s entertainment features a headliner along with local musicians and past winners of the Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise competition for a fun family event reflecting a diverse range of local music. Join us for an outstanding evening for the whole family! The Public is invited to bring beach blankets and chairs to enjoy the evening. No coolers. Free parking on site. 2290 Koloa Road. Presented in partnership with the Poipu Beach Resort Association.
Sunday, July 22nd:
10 am – Miniature Golf Tournament – Hosted by Lawai Beach Resort.
Free round on mini-golf course with tournament for keiki (kids) 13 and under. Refreshments and goodie bags. Limited to first 75 children. Register at 9:30am.
11 am – 19th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo Two full days of Hawaiian Style Rodeo Action – Hosted by CJM Country Stables / Paco’s Tacos.
Rodeo is a big sport in Hawaii, you’ll be amazed at the level of competition displayed by our contestants. Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys and cowgirls) have been top rodeo competitors since Ikua Purdy of Waimea, Hawaii, won a national roping contest in Wyoming in 1908. From little keiki on up, ropers and riders throughout Hawaii compete in numerous events every year. This years 19th Annual Koloa Plantation Days Rodeo will feature Bull Riding, Wild Cow Milking, High Dollar Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Break-away Roping, and Hawaiian’s own events Po’o Wai U & Double Mugging. The young keiki cowboys and cowgirls will get into the action with Mutton Busting (sheep riding) Keiki Barrel Racing, Jr. Steer riding and Kids Stickhorse / Dummy Roping. Witness first hand thrilling rodeo action, Paco’s Tacos Cantina, an assortment of food trucks, and enjoy an array of merchandise, art, interactive and informational booths. We have an exciting lineup of distinctive designed days below:
July 20th Friday Night Bash-4:30 to 9:30, live country band and dancing music & the best of the best state’s team ropers competing in a The High Dollar Roping. Watch our ladies turn and burn their first round of the Wahine Barrel Racing. Also meet our Queen contestants vying for the crown to be announced the following day.
July 21st Paniolo Heritage Saturday Rodeo- 11:00 to 3:30 – first round of rodeo events including Bull Riding, Double Mugging, Kids Mutton Busting, Team Roping and our new event Wild Cow Milking. In addition to the exciting events will be a tribute to the Hawaiian Cowboy the Paniolo. There will be a special grand entry, educational booths, Hawaiian themed foods, workshops and displays to honor our past.
July 22nd Kids Family Fun Sunday Rodeo- 11:00 to 3:30 – final round where winners are crowned after each event. Before, during and after the rodeo there will be kid friendly foods, carnival games and activities like our petting zoo.
Admission $10 at gate, presale tickets online $8, kids under 12 are free. Free parking. For more information go to http://cjmkoloaplantationdaysrodeo.com
5 pm – Mixed Plate – Live Music – Hosted by Old Koloa Town.
Free Live Music in Old Koloa Town’s Courtyard
Kama’aina and visitors are invited to bring the whole family to enjoy free live music on July 22 as Koloa Plantation Days and the Old Koloa Town merchants present the fifth annual Mixed Plate – Live Music Show. This is a chance for music lovers of all ages to enjoy some of Kauai’s best music in a relaxed, outdoor setting. This year’s show will feature the music of Kauai-born singer/songwriter Violet Asuncion, and the eclectic musical talents of Falling Down Romance, from 5pm – 7:00pm. Violet is an ukulele artist and songwriter who has been playing Old Koloa Town’s Mixed Plate – Live Music show since the center began hosting this popular annual event. Since those small kid days, Violet and her music have matured phenomenally. Violet is currently working on an album and has singles available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and at other online music outlets. Mixed Plate will be her final performance before departing for NYU this fall, and will feature her new band. Falling Down Romance is a is a musical collaboration between Dan Cruces & Diane Rubio. This ukulele virtuoso and composers create a captivating performance illustrating this year’s theme Many Cultures, One Community with a rich world sound featuring everything from ukulele, to cello and erhu and fascinating audiences with their diversity of music talent and delightful rhythms. Falling Down Romance currently plays weekly at Garden Island Grille Thursdays through Saturdays 6pm – 8pm, and has become a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
The courtyard is a lovely outdoor venue, surrounded by plantation-era buildings and shaded by a massive monkey-pod tree. The performers are framed by the lanai of the Koloa History Center – don’t miss this exploration into Koloa’s past during the week. As evening falls, the twinkling lights of the courtyard enhance the magic of the musical experience. Folding chairs will be available for seating, but people are encouraged to bring their own chairs and make themselves comfortable. For those who also bring their appetite, Pizzetta, Garden Island Grille, Aloha Roastery, Koloa Shave Ice, Kauai Nut Roasters, and Koloa Mill Coffee and Ice Cream are located in the center and will be open during the performance. Don’t miss Crystal Harmonics and Crazy Shirts, also located in the Courtyard. For more information, email Melissa.mcferrinwarrack@cbre.com or call Melissa at 652-3217.
Monday, July 23rd:
9 am – View Kaneiolouma at Poipu.
Join members of Hui Malama o Kaneiolouma as they recount the vibrant history of Po‘ipū, with an introduction to their efforts to restore the area. Please park at Po‘ipū Beach Park and meet at the corner of Po‘ipū and Hoowili Roads (turnoff to Po‘ipū Beach Park). Good walking shoes and sunscreen recommended.
4 pm – Plantation-Style Living: An Afternoon of Art, Stories and Refreshment – Hosted by Kōloa Union Church.
This event takes place at the historic Smith Memorial Parsonage, an old-fashioned plantation-style home on a beautiful acre of land in the heart of Koloa. The parsonage is owned by Koloa Union Church and has been fully restored and transformed into an art gallery featuring the vibrant watercolors of Hawaiian artist Alan Akana, who paints the flowers of Hawai`i, including indigenous flowers that are found nowhere else in the world. Rev. Dr. Akana is also the pastor of Koloa Union Church and resides in the parsonage.
Tour the beautiful house and grounds of the Smith Memorial Parsonage, learn about the history of the early missionaries doctors in Koloa who once lived on the property and how the arrival of Dr. James and Melicent Smith in 1842 shaped the history of Koloa. At 4:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Akana will share stories about the Smith-Waterhouse Family, the building and land, and his watercolors of the flowers of Hawai`i. You will also enjoy live entertainment, plantation iced tea and homemade cookies.
Rev. Dr. Alan Akana, a Native Hawaiian and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, is an accomplished artist and a published author of Hawaiian history and culture. His recently revised book, The Volcano is Our Home: Nine Generations of a Hawaiian Family on Kilauea Volcano (2016), and his art (www.alanakanagallery.com) will be available for purchase, and proceeds will be donated to the parsonage restoration and maintenance fund. Participants who are able are requested to park at Koloa Union Church, 3289 Poipu Road.
6 pm – Historic Sugar Exhibit and Plantation Life Storytelling – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula.
On Monday, July 23, The Shops at Kukui‘ula will host the Opening Night of the 2018 Koloa Plantation Days’ annual Historic Sugar Exhibit at 6pm as well as the inaugural “Plantation Life Storytelling” with Master Storyteller Kathy “Tita” Collins from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The Historic Sugar Exhibit features portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit also includes artifacts from plantation camp life provided by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit will be open daily from 5pm to 9pm through Friday, July 28, in Suite B119. New this year, The Shops at Kukui‘ula will feature storytelling by Kathy “Tita” Collins, a well-respected entertainer and a well-versed storyteller in English, Hawaiian and Hawaiian Pidgin English. At the Palm Court, enjoy refreshments under the stars while listening to Kathy Collins’ detailed narration of life during the plantation era. For more information, visit https://www.theshopsatkukuiula.com, follow @shopsatkukuiula on Facebook and Instagram or call 808.742.9545.
Tuesday, July 24th:
9 am – Koloa Plantation Days Heritage Craft Fair – Hosted by Grand Hyatt Kauai.
Experience a part of Hawaii’s past, present and future through crafts, demonstrations and music. Crafters will share kapa, Hawaiian print bags, children’s items, jewelry, wood carvings, specialty soaps and fragrances, island jams and jellies and photographs. Learn about Niihau shell leis, listen to Hawaiian contemporary music (from 9:30am to 3:30pm) at Seaview Terrace and share stories of Hawaii.
5 pm – Historic Tour of McBryde Garden and Talk Story – Hosted by National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Meet at the National Tropical Botanical Garden South Shore Visitors Center for a free historic tour of McBryde Garden and talk story about its plantation past. A unique tour just for Plantation Days, new this year. Advance reservations requested as space is limited.
5 pm – Historic Sugar Exhibit – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Historic Sugar Exhibit Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula. The Historic Sugar Exhibit – PLANTATION MUSEUM – features portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit also includes artifacts from plantation camp life provided by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Volunteers and docents, authors, and historians from the KAUAI HISTORICAL SOCIETY, established in 1914, will share Koloa’s cultural traditions, people, and stories of Old Koloa. Grove Farm’s “Long Sugar” and “Sweet Refrain” movies will alternate showings throughout the week. Museum and Book Store open daily from 5pm to 9pm through Friday, July 28. FREE – Museum located across from the Lanai Restaurant in Suite B119. For more information contact Kauai Historical Society at 808-245-3373.
7:30 pm – Polynesian Revue & Fire Dancing – Hosted by Poipu Shopping Village.
A journey of dance through the Polynesian islands with award-winning performers of Urahutia Productions, under the direction of Mi Nei Oliver Martins, Miss Garden Isle 2004 and 27-time 1st Place Tahitian Solo Dance winner. This performance is free and fun for the whole family — a great opportunity for dinner and a show. Come early to secure a seat – this is a popular show. Additional parking and a free shuttle will be available beginning at 6 p.m. Just follow the signs on Kiahuna Plantation Drive to Kiahuna Golf Club’s parking lot. The shuttle will be running until 11 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25th:
9:30 am – Mahaulepu Coastal Hike – Hosted by Malama Mahaulepu.
Moderate hike along beach trail and surrounding bluffs overlooking spectacular Maha’ulepu area.
10 am – Traditional Hawaiian Games – Hosted by Kiahuna Plantation Resort by Outrigger.
Children have fun with games like disk throwing, spear throwing, coconut toss, and 50-yard dash. Music and refreshments including shave ice to follow. Craft tent where children can participate in making fun local souvenirs, learn coconut frond weaving, and how to “tro net” as the local fishermen do.
3:30 pm – Plantation Cooking at Kauai Culinary Market – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui`ula – Culinary demonstration at 5pm.
On Wednesday, July 25, Koloa Plantation Days festivities continue at The Shops at Kukui‘ula during the weekly Kaua‘i Culinary Market from 3:30pm to 6pm, featuring plantation food and dishes from diverse cultures that were brought to Kaua‘i during the sugar plantation days, and continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors today. At 5pm at the Palm Court, join us for a special chef demonstration illustrating the different flavors and cultural influences on local food. The Kaua‘i Culinary Market is a partnership between The Shops at Kukui‘ula and the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau and is held at The Shops at Kukui‘ula every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 6pm with a special chef demonstration featuring locally grown products at 5pm. This one-of-a-kind farmers market boasts over 25 participating local farmers, artisanal product producers and vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruits and other unique delicacies and is enhanced by live Hawaiian music from local artists and a wine and beer garden at the Palm Court. For more information, visit https://www.theshopsatkukuiula.com, follow @shopsatkukuiula on Facebook and Instagram or call 808.742.9545.
5 pm – Historic Sugar Exhibit – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Historic Sugar Exhibit Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula. The Historic Sugar Exhibit – PLANTATION MUSEUM – features portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit also includes artifacts from plantation camp life provided by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Volunteers and docents, authors, and historians from the KAUAI HISTORICAL SOCIETY, established in 1914, will share Koloa’s cultural traditions, people, and stories of Old Koloa. Grove Farm’s “Long Sugar” and “Sweet Refrain” movies will alternate showings throughout the week. Museum and Book Store open daily from 5pm to 9pm through Friday, July 28. FREE – Museum located across from the Lanai Restaurant in Suite B119. For more information contact Kauai Historical Society at 808-245-3373.
Thursday, July 26th:
9 am – Look Back Through the Sugar Era – Hosted by Grove Farm.
Reservations required as space is limited, call 245-3678 ext 2542 to reserve. Suggested $3 donation to assist Kōloa School. Visit the area where the Hawai‘i sugar industry got started. Arryl Kaneshiro of Grove Farm will share historical information regarding Kōloa Mill and a former McBryde Sugar Company employee, Earl Smith, will also be on hand to “talk story” about plantation life. The tour will encompass a visit to view the exterior of the Kōloa Mill and will include a ride to Waita Reservoir and the Wilcox Tunnel. Reservations required as shuttle seating is limited.
2 pm – Plantation Days Putting Contest – Hosted by Poipu Bay Golf Course.
Fun for keiki and adults, putting on practice greens at Poipu Bay with prizes for best scores. Located adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
3:30 pm – Talk Story at Garden Island Federal Credit Union Koloa Branch – Hosted by Garden Island Federal Credit Union.
Learn about Koloa FCU, now Garden Island FCU and how they began and served the community during the plantation era. Refreshments provided. Located at 3417 Poipu Rd, Suite 101, Koloa. For more information call 808-742-6733
5 pm – Historic Sugar Exhibit – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Historic Sugar Exhibit Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula. The Historic Sugar Exhibit – PLANTATION MUSEUM – features portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit also includes artifacts from plantation camp life provided by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Volunteers and docents, authors, and historians from the KAUAI HISTORICAL SOCIETY, established in 1914, will share Koloa’s cultural traditions, people, and stories of Old Koloa. Grove Farm’s “Long Sugar” and “Sweet Refrain” movies will alternate showings throughout the week. Museum and Book Store open daily from 5pm to 9pm through Friday, July 28. FREE – Museum located across from the Lanai Restaurant in Suite B119. For more information contact Kauai Historical Society at 808-245-3373.
Friday, July 27th:
9 am – Watercolor Class at Mahaulepu – Hosted by Malama Mahaulepu.
Presented by Malama Mahaluepu, with local artist, Patrice Pendarvis. Explore strategic viewpoints of this beautiful rugged coastline beyond Poipu. The beauty and tranquility of Kawailoa Bay has historically been an exceptional spot for fishing, swimming, and reconnecting with nature. It is a place for families to gather and spend quality time together. Most of the keiki in Koloa learned to swim in the shallow tide pool at this bay. Ages 15 and up. To provide the attention required, attendance is limited to 12 participants.
4 pm – Historic Koloa Town: the Living Legacy Of Koloa Plantation – Talk Story by Catherine Pascual Lo – Hosted by Koloa Public Library.
Catherine Pascual Lo, author of The Filipinos of Koloa, published in 2017, was a public, school and academic librarian. She retired as head librarian of Kaua`i Community College. In retirement, she writes poetry and records local history. Under the heading “Historic Koloa Town: The Living Legacy of Koloa Plantation,” Lo will spotlight prominent sons and daughters of Koloa representing various ethnicities, including adopted sons and daughters of the town — who improved the quality of life in the town that Koloa Plantation built. They rose to prominence by virtue of their services to Koloa, to the County of Kaua`i, and to the State of Hawai`i. Catherine Lo will also cast some light on the descendants who continue their elders’ legacy of service and aloha. No charge. For more information: 808-245-8693 or visit http://www.kauaihistoricalsociety.org
5 pm – Historic Sugar Exhibit – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula
Historic Sugar Exhibit Hosted by The Shops at Kukui’ula. The Historic Sugar Exhibit – PLANTATION MUSEUM – features portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. The exhibit also includes artifacts from plantation camp life provided by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Volunteers and docents, authors, and historians from the KAUAI HISTORICAL SOCIETY, established in 1914, will share Koloa’s cultural traditions, people, and stories of Old Koloa. Grove Farm’s “Long Sugar” and “Sweet Refrain” movies will alternate showings throughout the week. Museum and Book Store open daily from 5pm to 9pm through Friday, July 28. FREE – Museum located across from the Lanai Restaurant in Suite B119. For more information contact Kauai Historical Society at 808-245-3373.
5:30 pm – Flavors of Kukui‘ula: Koloa Plantation Days – Hosted by The Shops at Kukui`ula.
On Friday, July 27, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, The Shops at Kukui‘ula will present Flavors of Kukui‘ula in celebration of Koloa Plantation Days. As Kauai’s largest family-friendly pau hana party, Flavors of Kukui‘ula will pay homage to the island’s plantation heritage.
Joining the celebration will be Kauai’s top bands including The Tradesmen and Kauai’s premiere “kachi kachi” band Wally Rita Y Los Kauaianos. Plus, plantation treats and delicacies will be sold street-food style along with a variety of alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic refreshments. For more information, visit https://www.theshopsatkukuiula.com, follow @shopsatkukuiula on Facebook and Instagram or call 808.742.9545.
5:30 pm – Old Koloa Town Historical Walk – Hosted by Gail Little.
Walk and learn about the history of Old Koloa Town, which was built up around one of Hawaii’s first commercial sugar plantations. Meet your guide, Gail Little, at the Koloa Library and School on Poipu Road. She will have fascinating photos and other displays on the Koloa area in various eras. Then, the group proceeds to Old Koloa Town, where Gail will point out historic buildings and chat about their previous incarnations as a dispensary, churches, motel for traveling salesmen, supply store for whaling ships, soda factory, and other enterprises. This is a great way to work up your dinner appetite and to learn a lot about historic and charming Koloa Town.
Saturday, July 28th:
10 am – Annual Historic Koloa Plantation Days Parade – Hosted by Koloa Plantation Days Committee.
Horseback and walking units, floral floats, vintage cars, and decorated vehicles are in a great hometown parade that celebrates aspects of the workers’ camps in plantation towns. Each camp had its ethnic identity, customs, foods, games and sports, music and dance. This is a festival signature event, don”t miss it! The people walking, on decorated floats, on horseback, and in decorated vehicles will do their best to capture some aspect of plantation life. They will have colorful costumes, perhaps play music or dance, or showcase recreational activities — baseball, chicken fights, fishing, to name a few – or their ethnic heritage. Others will capture memories of the sugar era, when sugar plantations thrived and many residents worked for or with the sugar industry. Competition for parade awards is intense and people from the resorts, businesses and community groups are very creative, so you can expect the unexpected. From costumes to decorations and choreography, they work for weeks and up to parade day to make their ideas become reality. While most of us relax and enjoy the parade, the judges seated along the parade route will intently scrutinize the units. In the afternoon, the awards for the best in each category are announced at Koloa ballpark.
Road Closures & Parking:
PARADE ROUTE will commence at Koloa School, proceed north onto Po`ipu Road, turning right at the intersection of Po`ipu Road and Koloa Road and finally turning left on to Maluhia Road, finishing at the Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Ballpark.
ROAD CLOSURES will be enforced on Saturday, July 28th from 9am to 12:30pm at the following intersections, and until 1:00pm on Maluhia Road fronting the Ballpark:
Po`ipu Road/La-wai Road @ the Koloa Fire Station
Po`ipu Road/WaiKomo Road across from the Koloa Church
Po`ipu Road/ Koloa Road @ Koloa Chevron (with a detour onto Oma`o Road or Ala Kaulani Kaumaka)
WeliWeli Road/WaiKomo Road
Maluhia Road/Ala Kinoiki (with a detour onto Ala Kinoiki – Poipu bypass road)
Koloa Road road closure on Koloa Road @ Island Soap & Candle Shop (with a detour onto WeliWeli Road)
ROADS OPEN for travel in and out of Po`ipu are Ala Kalanikaumaka (traffic to and from the west via Koloa Road) and Ala Kinoiki (traffic to and from the east, via Maluhia Road).
PARKING will be available in the pasture lot north of the Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Ballpark as well as the pasture lot north of the intersection of the bypass and Maluhia Road. Pedestrians exiting this lot should do so at the makai gate. A crossing guard on Ala Kinoiki will assist the pedestrians in crossing the bypass to get to the lower pasture and in to Anne Knudsen Ballpark. Other available parking at First Hawaiian Bank, Koloa and Oma`o roads west of Hadama`s Service.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING for those with placards will be available at the ballpark (south entrance) and asphalt lot just mauka (northbound) of park.
NO PARKING is permitted in the following areas: the Ballpark (except for handicapped parking, vendors and volunteers), Maluhia Road, Ala Kinoiki (Poipu bypass road), Koloa School, Big Save, Bothwick Mortuary.
10 am – Annual Park Celebration – Hosted by Koloa Plantation Days Committee.
After the Koloa Town parade on Saturday, July 29, head to Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Park for a full day of festivities from 10 AM to 4:00 PM. A full afternoon starting at lunchtime just following the parade with non stop entertainment all day.
This year’s entertainment includes:
11:00-11:30 – Pule, Hawaii Pono’I ( Nalani Brun), National Anthem (Navy Band) Followed by a few songs by the Navy Band.
11:30-12:00 – Tsunami Taiko.
12:00-12:15 – Jeremiah Garcia.
12:15-12:30 – Parade Awards Presentation.
12:30 – Roads Re-open.
12:35-1:20 – Beat-Lele.
1:20-2:15 – Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala. Silent Auction First Closing.
2:20-3:05 – Rydge Homestead.
3:15-4:00 – The Opihi Pickers.
Times subject to change
Sunday, July 29th:
6 am – Family Fun Run/Walk – 5K, 10K, 10 Mile + 1 Mile Keiki Run – Hosted by Kukui’ula Outrigger Canoe Club.
Family Fun Run Offers Healthy Fun for Everyone! Four different course lengths for you to choose from depending on your ability, endurance, and motivation! The choice of courses allows you to test your endurance or just stroll along while enjoying some of the most beautiful ocean views on Kauai’s South Shore. Prizes, race jerseys, food and drinks, along with free mini massages will be available to all participants. Awards will be given for 1st through 3rd place for each race course as well as for the winners in each age group division. Special awards will be given to all youth 12 years and under who participate! There is a family discount of $5 per person for 4 to 6 people in a family.
More information available at, http://kukuiulaoutrigger.com/koloa-plantation-days-family-fun-run
10:30 am – Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise Keiki Ukulele Competition – Hosted by Keoki’s Paradise.
Calling All Keiki Ukulele Players. Koloa Plantation Days welcomes the 7th Annual Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise Contest, concluding our festivities on Sunday, July 29th. Keiki, families and friends are invited to “strum on down” to Keoki’s Paradise from 11:00am to 3:00pm for the contest. Contest is open to all keiki ukulele players grades K-12 (grade level most recently completed) and will be segmented in the following divisions:
Division 1: K – 2nd grade
Division 2: 3rd – 5th grade
Division 3: 6th – 8th grade
Division 4: 9th – 12th grade
Contest entry is FREE to keiki and includes lunch from the Bamboo Bar & Grill. 10:30am Registration. Contestants must be checked in by 11:00am. There will be great prizes for all divisions including: ukuleles, Keoki’s Paradise merchandise, gift certificates and more!
Entry forms must be received by July 29 to participate.
